Ukraine resumes checks on mobbing at work: how to protect your rights
14 October 00:13
The law allowing to unblock inspections in cases of complaints about mobbing has come into force in Ukraine. This was reported by MP Yulia Hryshyna on Facebook, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Employees can now file complaints with the State Labor Service of Ukraine (SLSU) about psychological, economic, or other pressure at work that degrades human dignity for appropriate inspections.
“On October 1, 2025, our law came into full force, which provides for the unblocking of inspections in case of complaints about mobbing. Employees can submit applications to the State Labor Service about cases of mobbing for further inspections,” said Hryshyna.
Mobbing is a violation of human rights in labor relations when an employee is systematically subjected to psychological or economic violence to humiliate him or her.
As you know, the law on preventing and combating mobbing came into force in December 2022, but due to Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Law on the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law was adopted, which banned unscheduled labor inspections, except in certain cases. And now this ban has been lifted.
“Due to the restrictions on inspections during martial law, the rules were not actually in effect. Now the amendments to the legislation have allowed them to be restored,” said the MP.
Hryshyna emphasizes the importance of this law:
“Everyone has the right to work in a favorable atmosphere without any pressure. The effectiveness of their work depends on this. As a result, the development of all spheres and the country as a whole. This law is about supporting and protecting citizens, which they deserve. Don’t be silent, don’t hide it if it happens at your workplace.”
There are several ways to report mobbing:
- by e-mail through the website of the State Labor Service;
- by registered mail;
- in person at the territorial office of the State Labor Service.
What is mobbing and how widespread is it in Ukraine?
In Ukrainian law, the term “mobbing” (harassment) is defined as systematic long-term intentional actions or omissions of the employer, individual employees or a group of employees of the labor collective aimed at humiliating the honor and dignity of the employee, his or her business reputation, including with the aim of acquiring, changing or terminating his or her labor rights and obligations, manifested in the form of psychological and/or economic pressure, in particular through the use of electronic communications, creating a tense, hostile, offensive environment for the employee.
According to the author of the draft law, member of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Innovation Yulia Hryshyna, mobbing is a violation of human rights in labor relations that manifests itself through psychological, economic and other violence with the aim of humiliating human dignity. According to her, men and women, experienced professionals and young workers suffer from mobbing in the workplace.
Yulia Hryshyna also cited statistics showing that in 2023, the State Labor Service received 553 complaints about signs of mobbing, in 2024 – 583, and in 2025 – 76.
What is the punishment for violators?
on December 23, 2022, the law amending the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses came into force, according to which mobbing (harassment) of an employee entails a fine of UAH 850 to UAH 1,700 for citizens or community service for a period of 20 to 30 hours, and a fine of UAH 1,700 to UAH 3,400 for individual entrepreneurs who use hired labor, officials, or community service for a period of 30 to 40 hours.
If the fact of mobbing is recognized by a court, the employee is entitled to compensation for moral damages and/or treatment costs for disability due to psychological pressure, as well as to terminate the employment relationship within the time limit set by the court with severance pay of at least three average monthly salaries.
How other countries counteract mobbing
Many companies in Germany, for example, establish rules at the local level to prevent mobbing and combat stress at work. In Germany, the Association for Combating Psychosocial Stress and Mobbing was established in 1995.
In Italy, protection against mobbing is regulated by constitutional and civil law. Article 35 of the Italian Constitution protects labor in all its forms and manifestations.
It is here that the term “mobbing” was first used in judicial practice. In 1999, the Court of Turin considered the case of an employee who claimed compensation for the damage he suffered due to depression caused by harassment and humiliation by his supervisor.
